Tiny things in Japan – Learning a very local life of Japanese

Autumn is a favorite season for many Japanese. Summer heat and moisture will calm a lot in fall and people start to go out for the outdoor activities. The outdoor activity that people cannot exclude in the fall is to see the Autumn leaves. It was the first time for me to visit Komyozenji temple to see that, it’s become one of my favorite places.

Departs from Hakata bus terminal

Kyomyozenji temple (光明禅寺) is located in Dazaifu area, it’s just 5 minutes away from Dazaifu Tenmangu (太宰府天満宮). The easiest way to go to Dazaifu is use the direct bus. (You could use trains instead. Check the transit info at the bottom of this page)

The direct bus departs from Hakata bus terminal, which is next to Hakata station (Turn right after get out from Hakata gate＝博多口). I took the bus from the bus stop 11 in the terminal building.

Arrived at Nishitetsu Dazaifu station (西鉄太宰府駅). It takes 40 minutes and bus fare is 600 yen. From Nishitetsu Dazaifu station to Dazaifu-Tenmangu is about 5 minutes to walk.

Nishitetsu Dazaifu station. Take a return bus or a train from here as well.

Komyozenji temple is close to Dazaifu Tenmangu, so take a direction to Dazaifu Tenmangu first. If you are not sure which way to go, then follow the people and you won’t miss it.

Turn right here in front of this huge Tori  (鳥居). (Go right to Komyozenji temple, go straight to Dazaifu Tenmangu).

You will find the information board here.

There were some maple trees on the way to Komyozenji temple. It was in the middle of November. The best season for Autumn leaves here is from the middle of November to the end of month. (The best timing for visiting Autumn leaves depends on the places)

It’s a maple tree. The color of the leaves was going to turn into red from orange.

Arrived at Komyozenji temple

About 2 minutes walk from that Tori (鳥居), arrived at the gate of Komyozenji temple. It was closer than I expected.

The temple has history of over 700 years and it is famous for its two beautiful gardens. The front garden represents the word “light” in Japanese using the 15 stones.

And let’s go inside of the temple to see the inner garden.

Inner garden is widely known as the nickname of “Moss temple (苔寺)”, and it represents the land by the blue moss, and the ocean by the white sand.

It was an amazing view just like paintings. People were enjoying this beautiful garden.

Komyozenji temple information
Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00
Admission fee: 200 yen
Address: 2-16-1 Saifu Dazaifu city (Address on Google map)
Access:
From Hakata station– Take a direct bus from Hakata bus terminal.
From Tenjin station– Use Nishitetsu Omuta line(西鉄大牟田線) to Nishitetsu Futsukaichi station(西鉄二日市駅). Then change the train to Nishitetsu Dazaifu line(西鉄大宰府線) and get off at Nishitetsu Dazaifu station(西鉄大宰府駅).
Link: Dazaifu Tourist Association